The Mineola High School girls track and field team continued to excel even at the State Championships in Syracuse. The meet was held June 3 and 4.

Senior Nicole Lapin finished her career by taking 24th in the pole vault. Lapin tied her school record of 8 feet, 6 inches. Junior Samantha Hegmann placed ninth in the discuss with a throw of 94 feet, 7 inches. Hegmann was only five inches from qualifying for the Federation Final. This marked Samantha's second straight trip to the state meet and her second top 10 finish. The girls 4X400 relay team of Julia Yan, Christine Medlock, Lauren Napolitano and Alia Fater ran their second fastest time of the season and placed 10th at the state meet. All four of the relay runners return next year.

Lapin Captures Honors

Mineola High School senior track and field star Nicole Lapin has been honored again for her athletic achievements. The Nassau County Track and Field Coaches Association and Nassau County Track and Field Officials Association awarded a scholarship to Lapin at the group's dinner June 14.

Nicole was recommended for the award by Mineola High School track and field coach Kristin Degnan. Nicole was chosen as one of six award winners out of more than 350 applicants. The criteria for consideration includes athletic and academic performance, school and community service, leadership, coachability and sportsmanship.

"Over the past four years, Nicole has been one of the best in Nassau County in the pole vault, high jump and long jump. She holds the school record in all three events, has been named All-County in all three events, is a five-time county champion in the pole vault and qualified for the New York State Track and Field Championships three times in that event.

Nicole will be attending the University of Scranton, where she will continue to compete in track and field, volleyball and softball.